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Can I play funk without slap?

AdamK

AdamK

Jan 24, 2015
449
221
Virginia
#1
Hey,

So this question has been on my mind for a little while now. My friends and I seem to enjoy and be good at funk music, and I don't exactly play funk all the time. I can't do slap and I don't wish to learn. It's just not my thing. However, I have seen some bass players play funk perfectly fine by just playing regularly, no slap. Would it be reasonable to play funk bass without slapping at a "funk band" level? Any certain techniques with the bass or amp itself to get around doing slap for the best funk sound? Just wondering for the sake of playing this genre with friends and in gigs.

Oh, by the way, I think if I really want to pursue funk I'm definitely gonna need to get a second bass, like a Fender P-bass w/ rounds, that doesn't have flats and isn't made for like classic rock and jam band stuff like my Epiphone Jack Casady.

Thanks
 
Last edited:
#10
From my experience, it seems that people who don't slap see slap as a separate entity of playing.

To me, slap is about a timbral change that emphasizes the attack of notes. With that being said, learning how to control the tone using just fingers and discovering the spectrum available to you is what can give the bass line that "funk" sound, despite you not using your thumb.

One style I've been using a lot for more defined higher range is a position similar to how you would hold a pick, and plucking with your first (and sometimes second finger) in an upwards motion. Setting my palm on the strings I can simulate the percussive thump, and the snap by turning my hand as if opening a door. I use this technique considerably when I want that precise attack without going into full out slap mode.


And all of this is just for timbre. Of course, rhythm plays just as integral a part, though it should be noted that all funk rhythms can theoretically be played in any finger/pick/slap style and still have that defining "funk"
 
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#13
AdamK said:
Nice! Except I'm wondering what's goin' on at 0:40 of his solo here:
:p

He also shows off his slap skills here:
Click to expand...

***??? :woot::woot::woot::woot: After all these years, that's the first time I've seen Mr Porter thumpin' (slapping for those who identify it that way). THANK YOU for sharing those videos. I love Mr Porter's art and I must say that he is one of the three that made me say, ok I'm a do this.
FF
 
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#14
AdamK said:
Hey,

So this question has been on my mind for a little while now. My friends and I seem to enjoy and be good at funk music, and I don't exactly play funk all the time. I can't do slap and I don't wish to learn. It's just not my thing. However, I have seen some bass players play funk perfectly fine by just playing regularly, no slap. Would it be reasonable to play funk bass without slapping at a "funk band" level? Any certain techniques with the bass or amp itself to get around doing slap for the best funk sound? Just wondering for the sake of playing this genre with friends and in gigs.

Oh, by the way, I think if I really want to pursue funk I'm definitely gonna need to get a second bass, like a Fender P-bass w/ rounds, that doesn't have flats and isn't made for like classic rock and jam band stuff like my Epiphone Jack Casady.

Thanks
Click to expand...
OP
Slap is a technique. Funk is a style of music. You can be stank ass funky with or without thumpin' (slapping).

Also the type of bass and strings doesn't matter. It's all about how you fell when you bring the funk out. If you look at the pictures of the JB's (the band that the song Pass The Peas is listed under), dude has what appears to be a violin looking bass. PLus when you listen to the track very carefully, they sound like flats to me.

I MIGHT be wrong but what is commonly identified as "funk" today, it began with a bassist playing on flats and those cats weren't slappin'.

I believe Mr Bootsie Collins has a good video on youtube describing what funk is. Check it out. It's really helpfull
FF
 
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#18
I think there are two issues here. Can you play funky without playing slap and can you play a song that has a slap baseline without playing slap.

First, there are many examples already provided of funky players that don't use slap, so that question is answered.

The second question, although I'm the last one that advocates playing everything note-for-note, I think that if the original recording has a slap bass line, especially if you are playing in a funk band, you should play it using the slap style. Just my 2 cents.
 
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#20
Just take a listen to Tower of Power, James Brown, The Meters, etc. I cover a few songs that require slapping but do not consider myself a master of the technique. I am not sure why beginner players associate slapping with funk music because to me funk is all about the pocket and the space the entire band leaves open.

Check out Vulfpeck for a perfect example of this. Joe Dart is one hell of a bass player and that band just grooves so hard while doing so little.
 
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